Rescue dog Jerry crowned El Rey Fido XVI

Rey Feo LXX Kenneth Flores (left) places the crown on El Rey Fido XVI, Jerry, with owner Robert Rosenthal (right) during San Antonio Humane Society's 2018 El Rey Fido Coronation on Saturday, Apr. 21, 2018. Jerry, a mixed breed, was rescued by Robert and Jill Rosenthal of Alamo Heights. This year's court featured five pooches, including Squish, the brindle rescue dog with the "semicolon face." More than $50,000 was raised for the rescue organization. less

Rey Feo LXX Kenneth Flores (left) places the crown on El Rey Fido XVI, Jerry, with owner Robert Rosenthal (right) during San Antonio Humane Society's 2018 El Rey Fido Coronation on Saturday, Apr. 21, 2018. Jerry, a mixed breed, was rescued by Robert and Jill Rosenthal of Alamo Heights. This year's court featured five pooches, including Squish, the brindle rescue dog with the "semicolon face." More than $50,000 was raised for the rescue organization. less

On his way to being crowned El Rey Fido XVI on Saturday morning, the mixed breed rescue dog with an endearing underbite slowly sidled toward the front of the standing room crowd that was anticipating his coronation. He paused for pets. He walked in a circle, looking around at all the expectant faces.

Jerry’s owners, Jill Rosenthal and her husband, Alamo Heights Mayor Bobby Rosenthal, had raised $30,000 to secure him the top title, but the dog seemed more interested in the multitude of unusual sights and smells around him at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. Eventually, the emcee called his name to get his attention. Jerry, adorned in sparkly plum robes emblazoned with his new title, sat for his treat.

“He’s gotten a little cocky with this. He’s gotten a little confident with this whole role of being the king,” Bobby Rosenthal said.

The 16th annual El Rey Fido competition, now in its fourth year as an official Fiesta event, raised more than $50,000 for the San Antonio Humane Society. The crown goes to the top fundraiser, and the four runner-ups populate the Royal Court.

This year’s court featured a diverse group of pooches.

There was Squish, the brindle whippet mix whose “semicolon face” made him a social media star.

“I’m really proud of him,” said Danielle Boyd, the veterinarian who rescued him, after he made his onstage debut.

There was Ellie, a black Chihuahua mix with “the softest coat in all of San Antonio,” per Humane Society staffers.

There was Alexandra, a Lab-Pointer mix who was rescued after being abandoned in a park as a puppy. She now salivates for string cheese and has completed a 5K race.

And there was Sam, a “very spoiled” Pembroke Welsh Corgi who moved to San Antonio from Fort Worth so his owner, Brenda Gutierrez, could attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. While he waited to make his grand entrance, Sam let out a few barks as he looked up at the bag of treats in Gutierrez’s hands.

Plenty of other good dogs joined in for the celebration.

Rosette, a 13-year-old Bichon Frise, reposed in a stroller beside owner Cheryl Trevor, an accountant who has designed the bedazzled royal garb for the competition for more than a decade. Heidi, an 11-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, sat patiently on her owner’s lap but also showed her range, completing tricks in response to commands in Swedish.

The crowd also included hopefuls for next year’s competition, such as Bella, a West Highland White Terrier who wore a floral dress to match her owner, Amanda Infante.

Nancy Henderson attended with her Shih Tzu, Pandy, in tow. Henderson comes to the coronation every year to show her support for the rescue organization.

“We do what we can to support those that take care of our animals,” she said.